Simon Horsford looks ahead to an eclectic array of performers at the Bath
Fringe Festival.

Peer behind Bath’s Georgian façade and the city boasts a thriving alternative community. It’s perhaps epitomised by the Bath Fringe Festival, which first took to the stage in 1981. Set up by the local artistic community as a counterpoint to the more formal and staid arts and music events in the city, it was born out of the performance art, counter-culture movement of the Seventies. The Fringe has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The festival has always sought to capture a spirit that fitted the times. In the Eighties that meant alternative comedy, cabaret and modern jazz, while subsequent decades brought world music, physical theatre, circus and digital arts. And this year is no different.

Over 17 days, the Fringe wil put on more than 200 shows at a diverse collection of venues – more than 30 – ranging from pubs and arts centres to theatres, libraries, shops and churches. One of the central venues will again be the Art Deco-themed Spiegeltent on Bath Recreation Ground, which will feature musicians as diverse as Sixties r “n” b star Georgie Fame, new folkster Sam Lee and kora player Sekou Kouyate from Guinea.

Away from the music, comedy, cabaret, spoken word readings and theatre, there is also a strong visual arts programme. Fringe Arts Bath will feature more than 130 artists with highlights including a screening of the documentary Never Sorry by the artist/activist Ai Weiwei. The Old Theatre Royal – now known as the Masonic Hall – will also stage a week of new theatre work, and there are events for children, including a talent contest.

Visitors will also be able to take a vintage bus tour of locations associated with the Ealing comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt.